Author: TMC Palau

[Photo: SUPPLIED] Women must have an equal role alongside men in developing artificial intelligence to ensure the technology is fair, inclusive and reflects diverse communities, says KPMG Women in Tech Lead Fiona Glaskin. Glaskin explains that AI outcomes depend on the people building the tools and the data used to train them. She says as AI becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, stronger representation of women in the technology sector is essential. Glaskin notes that while more women are entering the technology sector, gender bias and inequality remain challenges.Article continues after advertisement She believes involving women in AI development will…

Pacific leaders and environmental advocates have condemned a United States government proposal to advance plans for an offshore mineral lease sale in federal waters off American Samoa.They say the move – despite about 70,000 public comments submitted during the process opposing offshore mineral extraction – disregards widespread public opposition and threatens the region’s culture, livelihoods and marine environment.The criticism followed the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) announcement that it had issued a Proposed Leasing Notice for the American Samoa Outer Continental Shelf Pacific Mineral Lease Sale 1, a key procedural step toward a potential lease sale currently proposed for…

[Photo: File] The lack of specialized forensic equipment is delaying progress in the investigation into the death of Police Constable, Peniasi Racagi says Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu . Tudravu says police have had to send samples and specimens to New Zealand for further laboratory analysis as Fiji’s forensic laboratory does not have the required equipment. He says the situation highlights the urgent need to properly equip Fiji’s forensic facilities, adding that annual budget submissions have been made to secure the necessary resources. “It is out of our control and we are also waiting. We would like the system, the process…

[Photo: Mosese Raqio] Acting Attorney General and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga says the reduction in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces’ allocation in the 2026/2027 National Budget will not stop Fiji from meeting its international peacekeeping commitments. Responding to questions on whether the reduced funding would affect peacekeeping operations, Turaga says this year’s budget has been shaped by external economic shocks and the broader financial challenges facing the country. However, he stressed that Fiji’s commitment to regional and international security remains unchanged. Turaga says if instability arises in the region and the RFMF is required, Fiji’s troops will be…

All Blacks captain Ardie Savea jetted out to Samoa on Sunday morning, hours after leading his team to a 40-21 win over Ireland at Eden Park.The former Rongotai College First XV captain and head boy touched down at Faleolo International Airport less than 24 hours after ensuring the All Blacks’ record at Eden Park remained intact. The All Blacks have lost at the ground since 1994.Savea and his wife, Saskia, are in Samoa with their three children and will travel on to Fiji before returning to rejoin the All Blacks squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa.Samoa Observer reported…

[Source: Reuters] Director Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of “The Odyssey” had an epic debut, grossing $264.1 million in global ticket sales on its opening weekend, including $124.5 million in the U.S. and Canada, Universal Pictures (CMCSA.O), opens new tab said on Sunday. The film, based on the ancient Greek poem by Homer, stars Matt ​Damon as the Greek hero Odysseus, and follows his perilous journey home after fighting the Trojan War. It ​is Nolan’s first movie since the 2023 blockbuster “Oppenheimer,” which won Academy Awards in several categories, including ⁠directing and best picture. Director Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of “The Odyssey” had…

[Source:Fiji Rugby/Facebook] The 2026 Vodafone Vanua Championship quarterfinals at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva will air live and exclusive on FBC Sports channel on Wednesday. Overseas fans can watch all four quarterfinals as well on VITI+ for $30FJD. The first quarterfinal between Tavua and Cakaudrove kicks off at 11am. Macuata and Vatukoula meet in the second quarterfinal at pm.Article continues after advertisement In the third quarterfinal, Ovalau faces Ra at 3pm while Northland takes on Namosi at 5pm. Meanwhile, the Ranadi quarterfinals start at 9am between Yasawa and Taveuni at Buckhurst Park followed by the Northland and Navosa game.…

[File Photo] There is now a common shortage in sugar supply across multiple locations in Suva; from outside the Central Business District neighbourhoods to within the capital itself, businesses and consumers are beginning to feel the impact of the low supply. FBCNews took to the streets today to speak with businesses, resellers, consumers, and even visited multiple hotspot supermarkets about the scarcity of sweetener in the capital city. Toorak resident Margaret Moore stressed that she has visited multiple locations within the CBD in search of sugar but was forced to buy white sugar as a substitute. “I’m so disappointed. From…

Taiwanese officials have reported saying they were blindsided by the decision.The Taipei Times reports that Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry convened a meeting to discuss potential responses.A spokesperson for the ministry said these include reviewing Taiwan’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) purchases from PNG.They said Taiwan’s imports of about 1.2 million tonnes of LNG annually account for about a third of PNG’s LNG exports and are a major source of revenue for the country.Last week, PNG’s foreign minister Justin Tkatchenko said the decision to end Taiwan’s representation in PNG was consistent with PNG’s One China policy.Tkatchenko told RNZ Pacific the announcement was a…

[Photo: File] A package of illegal contraband was intercepted after an attempted throw-in at the Suva Corrections center this morning. The seized contraband contained 17 rolls of marijuana, 2 sachets of methamphetamine crystals, and 45 rolls of suki, 1 touch-screen mobile phone, 1 button mobile phone, 1 thumb-sized phone, and 1 charging cable, 1 gas lighter, 2 packets of chocolate, 2 packets of chewing gum, and 2 packets of snacks. The suspects and the vehicle they travelled in were captured by CCTV cameras. Acting Commissioner of Corrections Auta Moceisuva says that such actions directly undermine the rehabilitation of inmates.Article continues…